Man, 36, Charged In Crash That Killed Homewood Teen: Police

HOMEWOOD, IL — A 36-year-old Homewood man has been charged in a March 22 crash that killed a 14-year-old Homewood boy, police said Thursday.

On March 22, Homewood police and fire, along with several assisting police and fire agencies, responded to the intersection of 183^rd and Governors Highway for the report of a traffic crash. Police said investigators learned that a gray Chevy Equinox was traveling southbound in the 18200 block of Governors Highway when it veered off the roadway and struck a black Buick Park Avenue and a black Nissan Rogue that were stopped facing westbound 183^rd Street at Governors Highway.

Police said the 36-year-old driver of the Chevy Equinox—now identified as Ryan Barbour—fled on foot from the scene and was quickly located by officers. Barbour was treated for minor injuries and transported to a local hospital.

The 31-year-old driver and 33-year-old passenger of the Buick Park Avenue were treated for minor injuries and transported to a local hospital, according to officials.

The 27-year-old driver of the Nissan Rogue was treated for minor injuries and taken to a local hospital. A 14-year-old passenger was treated by Homewood Fire Department paramedics but died at the scene, police said. He was later identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office as Kyran Smith.

Smith, an eighth grader at Parker Junior High School, was remembered by his principal as a student who "exemplified our vision of a portrait of a graduate by seeking multiple ways to solve problems, being an empathetic listener, and gently greeting others with a warm smile."

On Wednesday, April 1, Barbour was taken into custody and charged with aggravated DUI resulting in the death of another, reckless homicide with a motor vehicle, speeding over 35 mph, and improper lane usage.

Barbour remains in custody pending an April 2 hearing at Markham Courthouse.